Condensation "Maze"

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The condensation maze is designed to force H2 through a series of concentric tubes (CT) connected to a liquid-cooled heat sink fitting (HSF), in an attempt to condense water out of any H2 adjacent to the tubes. These CT have alternating holes on top and bottom to give the H2 a longer route to the exit tube and provide a better surface area to gas volume ratio. The CT are press-fit into the HSF, using carefully applied thermal paste to their base to improve heat transfer between them and the HFS. The CT are permanently secured to a top cap using permanent adhesive, and the cap houses an O-ring to seal it to the exit tube. The HSF is a simple machined fitting with copper tubing coiled around it. The copper tubing and simple fitting are joined using thermal paste to ensure maximum heat transfer between the two. Note, thermal paste is not meant to provide any support or adhesion. To the copper tubing, a water line is connected. This will allow tap water to flow through the tubing and provide more effective heat transfer of the HSF and concentric tubes than air will. No cooling of the water will be required, as tap water can average ~12°C, however, water can be cooled prior to entering the copper tubing, if desired. An insulating foam layer can be wrapped around the HSF/tubing to provide insulation. Once water has condensed inside the water trap/CT it can be purged through holes machined into the base of the HSF. The thickness, diameter, and spacing of the CT can be varied to achieve a desired flow rate, purge volume, or to vary the number of CT.